Chapter 16 – Good News and Bad News

"You could say that. He did save me. The question is, just what did he save? I'm a Hag."

"I can now walk. My spine is somewhat healed. My shoulder is now strong enough that I can use my arm somewhat. My leg and hip have been for the most part taken care of. The Centaur's blood kept me from suffering any effects of Greybeck's bites other than the torn flesh." Lavender paused, "But you be the judge."

Harry heard a noise behind the screen. He thought he heard her stand. With a swipe, the screen, actually a curtain, was opened and Lavender stood before Harry in the shadows. His side of the room had a little light which now shown on her gown and her face. What he saw was not the Lavender he remembered. She walked with a stoop and a slouch. Her shoulders were uneven and her posture was not right. Her skin was a sickening grey and her nose was crooked. Her right cheek looked as if it had been crushed and refitted together awkwardly without the help of an expert.

"He saved me but at a great cost. My bones healed almost immediately but it happened so fast they were not able to reset properly. My skin lost its lustre due to the Centaur's blood. The unicorn's blood forced my skin to regrow over the tears from the werewolf's bites. Yes, I am saved but I am not me. I was a beautiful girl Harry. All of that is now gone."

Harry considered for a moment. He knew if he argued this point she'd take it for flattery. "Lavender, you are right. You are no longer who you were. You are no longer beautiful."

She began to sob and she buried her head into Harry's shoulder, "I don't want to be ugly...I don't want to be this way Harry. I could stand dying. I'm not afraid to die. But to be this?"

Harry cried with her. He understood. Lavender was who Lavender was. Lavender was merely a simple young woman who had grown up enjoying the life of a pretty girl. She enjoyed the simple pleasure of flirting and dating and had hoped to eventually marry a young man and have children that she would raise in a happy household. She'd have a white wedding dress and she'd have a simple home and maybe a part time job during the holidays to buy extra gifts for the kids. She had no expectation for a deep meaningful life and was absolutely happy meeting her husband at the door each afternoon with a kiss and a meal. Her vision of herself and her future were now shattered and there was nothing that she or anyone else could ever do about it.

"Lavender, I know this isn't what you wanted. There's not anything you or I can do about that. Firenze seems to think that in the future you will be a great Seer. He gave the impression that you will live in a cottage in the Forbidden Forest and that you and I will speak regularly. I'm returning to Hogwarts and so are many others – I don't want to go but I've agreed anyway. I'd like someone there to talk to...someone who doesn't expect anything of me but idle conversation. Firenze wants you there and I owe him my life. Will you please come to Hogwarts and let me help you? You can't stay here forever. I will help you place a home as far away from the castle as you wish if that is really what you want."

Lavender's head still rested on Harry's shoulder and she now hiccuped, "Can I think about it?"

"As long as you want. Well, as long as you want until next week. I don't think they will take students after next Friday. Whether you decide yes or no I will always be here if you need anything and no request is too much. Ever."

ZZZZZ

Ron met Harry at his desk as soon as he returned to the Ministry, "I'm sorry mate. I didn't mean to...you know."

"It's fine, Ron. I talked to Lavender about it and she thought I might have been a little hard on you. I agree with her."

"You spoke with Lavender? How is she?" Ron was genuinely worried.

"Not good but I hope getting better. Don't say anything to Seamus just yet. I don't want him taking it personally if she's talked to me but throws him out on his ear. She'll talk to him when she's ready."

They spoke for a few more minutes before returning to work. Ron asked about Australia and what he could expect during his trip. They also talked about plans for Hogwarts and Harry agreed to bring Hermione and Ron's chests to Kings Cross so they could travel light.

Harry's last day in the Auror Trainee program, he received an owl from Lavender to drop by St. Mungo's. He decided to drop by at lunch. Once they'd made small talk she got to the point, "I've decided to return for next term. You said I could live outside of the tower? I'd prefer to stay away from other students."

Hagrid is having a place made for you in the forest. It won't be much – a simple hut like his own. You will be forced to walk to your lessons. Can you do that in your condition?"

"I've made arrangements with Professor McGonagall. I will be the only NEWTS student for Divination. I shall also take Herbology and Potions on my own with guidance from Slughorn and Sprout. She says it will help me if I decide to get a position outside of my chosen field and that Professor Trelawney said it would help to make my own potions and oils used for Mediation and Divination..."

"Also Harry, I am taking on a new name. I feel Lavender died that night. I'd appreciate it if when you saw me at school you'd refer to me as Hecate."

Harry was Gobsmacked, "But why?"

"Do you not listen? Lavender Brown is dead. The Headmistress understood. I don't expect you to understand. I want everyone to remember Lavender Brown as she was. As far as I'm concerned, Lavender Brown is dead."

"So what about your last name? It will be obvious if you go by Brown."

Lavender sighed, "No last name – just Hecate. And please don't let anyone know I am returning. I hope to let Lavender Brown slip out of peoples minds and forever be remembered as I was. I will remake myself as I am and my new name will suit my new self." Lavender looked at him sadly, "Please help me with this."

Harry reluctantly agreed," All right Lav...Hecate. "That is an awful name to pronounce though." they spoke about arrangements before Harry left to finish his last day at the Ministry. Harry offered to pick up her supplies and she reluctantly gave him her list sent by the Headmistress.

ZZZZZ

The list wasn't all that extensive. He picked up her supplies Saturday when he and Ginny were enjoying a leisurely stroll of Diagon Alley browsing the shops. They had their supply lists as well, "I can't believe you didn't go with Hermione and Ron when they did their shopping," admitted Harry.

"Hermione and Ron have spent a lot of time alone. If they aren't getting off together near the creek then they are out shopping," complained Ginny.

"She told me that you and Luna spent a lot of time with her while we are at the Ministry. That and you drop by regularly to see Hannah?"

"Yes, Hannah is making plans for the wedding and we are helping out."

"What wedding?" asked Harry.

Ginny was silent. Harry stopped walking, "What wedding?"

"They are keeping it quiet. They were going to tell you but only a few people are invited so they were waiting for the right time. It will be Christmas Holiday. Please act like you don't know when Neville tells you. He was waiting until the Auror Trainees were released because he hasn't told his grandmother yet. He doesn't know how."

"But...I just can't believe. That's amazing. I can't believe it. They've just started...why so soon?"

Ginny hooked her hand around Harry's elbow and tugged for him to keep walking, "They both want to be married before... Hannah insists her Mum would have wanted it that way. Neither have ever...well, when they sleep over they just sleep. Hannah says Neville refuses to do anything more than snog and she likes it that way. He's a true gentleman. She always felt like the blokes she saw in the past tried too hard to be something they were not – Neville is just Neville and doesn't hide it. And well, he's just shy of Ron in height. What girl doesn't want a tall handsome man?"

The look Ginny found when she turned to Harry was priceless. A puppy couldn't have made a sadder cuter face, "Aww, Harry, I didn't mean 'I' wanted a tall handsome man. I mean, you are handsome. And you are tall enough for me. And..."I'm mucking this all up, aren't I?" She placed her head on his shoulder until they reached Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. Harry noticed a small sign attached to the normal display outside that said, New Wheezes to Open in Hogsmeade: First Hogsmeade Weekend.

Harry and Ginny slipped into the shop to find wizards and witches of all ages browsing all sorts of gadgets. Ginny went to say hi to George while Harry looked around. Harry didn't look long before he found something that he thought Lavender could make immediate use of. He picked up a Headless Horseman skull cap. The instructions read: Place this small skull cap on the very top of your head and your head will appear invisible. All you need is a pumpkin and a horse and you are on your way to startling your mates and family alike. This gave Harry an idea.

He headed for the register where Ginny and George were speaking. When Harry offered his hand George instead grabbed him for a hug. "Harry, it's all happening as planned. I will handle Hogsmeade this Term while I get it up and running. I have hired a stellar Manager to handle business here." Harry gave the skull cap to George to ring up and agreed, "That sounds brilliant George."

"You don't need to pay for this Harry. It's only a Sickle," Harry had already placed a Sickle in his hand. "You know Harry? This whole giving gifts thing is terribly one sided with you," frowned George. Harry nodded, "Sorry George. It's a character flaw. I promise to have it beat eventually."

Harry and Ginny continued to tour the Alley. Eventually they walked by Twilfitt and Tattings and Harry convinced Ginny to have a look. Harry was at the front looking at a cloak for himself while Ginny stepped to the Witches' robes. Twilfitt was considered upmarket and Ginny only frowned as she saw the prices of the fabric. She called over to Harry as quietly as she could manage, "They don't have any finished robes. All they have is fabric with different designs."

A witch popped up from what looked like a worktable where she had been cutting fabric for a robe. The witch looked as if she thought the question was for her, "Dear, that is because the robes are custom made from the fabric once your measurements are taken. But you'd know that if...Oh." The woman pursed her lips and furrowed her brow. "I didn't realise you were a Weasley. I'm sure you are just passing time until your Mum purchases your texts but we prefer it if only paying customers look through the merchandise." The woman made an obvious look at Ginny's hands, "No telling what might be left on the robes if you start pawing through..."

"Through what Madam?" Harry asked. The witch obviously did not know the two were together, "Oh, Mr. Harry Potter! I had heard about your recent good fortune and was wondering when we might be seeing you here. I am dealing with an unfortunate situation but I will be right with you for your measurements. The Wizard's samples are just over there," she pointed.

Ginny had only seen Harry's eyes blaze that green a few times in her life, "Your 'Unfortunate Situation' happens to be my girlfriend." The witch's eyes went wide and she began blathering apologies. Harry ignored her and instead said to Ginny, "Come on, apparently you are not good enough to shop here. It's too bad too," he lifted a bag of Galleons out of his pocket, "I planned on spending quite a sum spoiling you."

The witch was beside herself. As the two made for the door she continued to lavish Ginny with flattery and apologies. Harry would have none of it and he slammed the door behind them.

The mood soon changed when they visited Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, "Harry, these robes are beautiful but they are much too much. You cannot buy me all of this." Harry looked flustered and he whispered as well, "I've told you Ginny. I love you and I want you to look as beautiful as you deserve." Ginny would not give in, "I've done just fine until now. Are you saying that I wasn't dressed well before? My Mum and Dad didn't provide well enough for me?"

Harry was quickly aware he'd put his foot in it. Her eyes flashed dangerously but he still couldn't understand the resistance she was putting up, "No Ginny. I'm not saying that," he whispered. "Your parents are...I'd have given anything to have been loved like your parents love you. I just wanted to do something special. This will be our last year at Hogwarts and I just want to have fun and enjoy ourselves this Term. Part of that is being able to shop and buy some nice clothes. I like seeing you in them and it makes me feel good to do it."

Ginny sighed, "I understand Harry and I love your gifts. I haven't thanked you enough for the Firebolt on my birthday, the earrings were gorgeous...and the necklace. But Harry, you are going beyond generous. What do you think people are going to think about me when they see me wearing all of these splendid gifts and riding that amazing Firebolt? And then new clothes? They are going to think I'm with you for...they are going to think I'm a..." she couldn't finish the sentence.

"Think Harry. Think about how people reacted when you became Seeker. TriWizard Champion. Chosen One... They didn't respect you. They were jealous. And so they made up cruel excuses and reasons for how you obtained these honours. Do you remember how that felt?" She knew what she was saying was hitting home because his frown had now turned to anger – his fists were clenched and his brow furrowed. "These same people will be looking at me with all of these nice things. And I think it is so sweet that you want me to have nice things...but you know that they won't say, 'oh look how beautiful Ginny looks.' The whispers will start about me getting off with you in order to get nice gifts. They'll accuse me behind our backs of doing even more."

Harry growled through clenched teeth, "Then I'll..."

"...No you won't. Harry, what you are thinking is chivalrous, absolutely romantic and totally impractical. You can stop them talking but it won't stop them thinking. There is nothing wrong with modesty and while I absolutely adore the robes you've had me try on I cannot in good conscience accept it all." She put her arms around him and hugged him tight knowing he wasn't going to return the hug. His fists were still clenched and when she looked into his eyes she could see visions of students desperately dodging stinging curses and swiftly shouting apologies.

Harry finally gave in, "Will you at least allow me buy you a nice set of dress robes for this years Yule Ball? And maybe another that you can wear to Slughorn's parties?" He tried to smile when she nodded yes. They spent the next half hour looking at fabric and styles so that the dress robe could be tailored. The other set of robes were purchased off the rack and the adjustments were made after a brief fitting. Harry also purchased a few sets of everyday robes, a nice set of robes for the parties and had Ginny pick out fabric and style for his dress robes to be tailored as well. He asked if Ginny could go to Amanuesis Quills to pick up the ink and quills on their list, "We're running behind and I'd like to spend extra time at the book shop. Can you get two of every item on my list for me?" She eyed Harry suspiciously but reluctantly agreed.

Once she stepped out he looked down at the witch performing his fitting, "I was wondering if you could do me a favour tomorrow?" He explained and finished, "She is a close mate who was hurt saving many people. She is afraid to go out in public and if she senses you are afraid or...well you know...then she may decide to hide away forever." She agreed. He paid for all of the clothing and gave her the address of the Burrow so that she could send the robes when they were ready.

Ginny was already racing back to the shop when he stepped out, "What were you conspiring with her about?" she asked. "You didn't try to buy anything else for me, did you?"

"No. And I'm sorry if I upset you. Obviously we disagree but I love you. I will let you buy the rest of your supplies and I will try not to buy anything for you the rest of the day." This brought a smile to her face and she provided a quick peck on the cheek for his understanding.

They spent the rest of the day shopping for supplies. Ginny silently noted that as often as not he bought two of everything. She didn't understand why but she didn't want to ask quite yet. It wasn't until they arrived at Flourish and Blotts that she finally brought up the courage, "Why are you buying books for Divination? You aren't sitting NEWTS for that course."

Harry had thought about how to handle this. He knew Ginny may be curious and he didn't want to lie. He was as truthful as he could be without giving Lavender's secret away, "Professor McGonagall is allowing a student to study on her own. I agreed to help her purchase supplies because she's unable to get out to do so."

"Do I know her? What's her name?"

"That's a good question. Even if you did know her I doubt you'd recognise her if you saw her," his face became even more sour and almost cloudy. She'd have broken out with a snigger if she wasn't so interested in what he was holding back. "Her name is Hecate." he broke eye contact with her knowing she could sense his discomfort.

"What's her last name?"

"She doesn't have a last name. I've only spoken with her some over the past few weeks. She is trying to make a new life. All I can say is that she is attending Hogwarts this year on the recommendation of Firenze and I was asked to help out." Inwardly he kicked himself. He knew exactly what the next question would be.

"...A Centaur recommended her? How would a Centaur know a witch? Is she a Centaur as well?"

"Blimey!" He thought to himself. Ginny was not going to let him off the hook and she was too smart for him to talk his way around this. He tried for the truth, "Ginny, I promised this person that I would keep her story to myself so she could make a fresh start. All I can say is she has suffered terribly and lost a lot – so much so that Professor McGonagall is allowing her to study on her own. Please don't ask me any more questions because I don't want to lie to you and I feel guilty enough that I can't share more."

Ginny smiled and nodded. She wondered to herself how she had fallen in love with such a good guy. He wouldn't lie, he was generous to a fault, he respected her parents...she began to scowl when she remembered that he was sometimes too much a gentleman – something she and Hermione spoke about constantly. Even Hannah and Luna giggled when she told stories of how she would tease him and he'd take it in stride. She did everything she could possibly do to get him to make the next move and while he didn't stop her he would somehow always manoeuvre himself so she couldn't outright ambush him. And don't think she hadn't tried that too. He was too quick. She couldn't even get angry with him about it – he'd somehow move in just the right fashion so that she'd have to admit to what she was doing in order to accuse him of avoiding it.

It had become all she could think about. Even now, she was staring at 101 Ways to Improve Your Skill With a Wand and wondering if the fates were playing some sort of prank.

She now wondered how her thoughts had moved so quickly from The Mystery of the Secret Student to Frustrations of a Teenage Witch. Harry broke her out of her trance, "Have you gotten everything you need?"

"I don't think I'll find what I need in here," she responded cryptically. She shook the thoughts out of her head and looked in her basket. "Yes, I have all of the books on my list. I'd like to look for an owl at Eeylops though."

They decided Eeylops would be their last shop. Ginny looked from cage to cage hoping to find an owl that felt right. Harry saw a snowy white owl that reminded him of Hedwig and he was ready to leave immediately. He held out for Ginny, though, as she continued to look around. He'd stare at the owl and it would gently hoot out to him. The sound was almost sad. Finally he walked up to the beautiful owl and stroked it behind the ears. It cuddled up to his hand and he whispered, "I had a beautiful owl that looked just like you." The owl responded, "Who..?" to which Harry replied without thinking, "Her name was Hedwig and she'd keep me company all Holiday long when I was alone. I'd take you home but it wouldn't be fair to you. You deserve a wizard or witch that will love you for you – you'd always remind me of her." The owl again responded with a soft sad "who" and Ginny gently took his arm and guided him out as he tried to casually wipe his eyes. Ginny pretended not to notice.

"Can we drop by the Leaky Cauldron?" asked Ginny quietly. "I won't get many more chances to see Hannah before Term starts." She didn't bother to look up as she could feel him change direction subtly. She held him tight; she could feel the sadness that so many people often missed because he was so adept at hiding it behind a quiet smile. It was the one emotion Harry was genuinely good at hiding.

When they reached the Cauldron the place was empty. Harry and Ginny sat down quietly at the bar but the moment that Hannah came out of the kitchen the two girls squealed and hugged. Hannah pulled out her wand and tapped her left hand. Harry saw something gleam in the light but didn't have an opportunity to look for long because Ginny grabbed the girls hand and studied it very carefully – blocking Harry's view with her back. Harry noticed Hannah pull out her wand again and the glimmering object was no longer there when she stepped over to Harry with Ginny. The girls' smiles were contagious, "Do you mind if I borrow Ginny for a few minutes while I take her up to my flat. I want to show her a few things. I'll send Tom out with a Butterbeer." Harry nodded and they shot up the stares tittering like First Years.

Tom came out a few minutes later with his Butterbeer, "Good seein' you Mr. Potter."

"I've told you before you can call me Harry," he reminded. How've you been?

"I've been good Harry. Business has been good of late. It looks as if I might have finally found a buyer as well." He noticed Harry's confusion, "I hired Hannah because I can't keep up any more Harry. I had the place on the market for near six years. I'm taking a little less than I hoped but it's twice what I was offered a year ago. It'll be enough to retire on but not as comfortably as I'd hoped. The only other downside is that the buyer wants to run the place herself." Harry glanced worriedly up the steps and Tom caught his look, "I'm going to give Hannah a small severance so she can find something else to do. I'm hoping she still has time to return to Hogwarts. She's been getting on about that Longbottom boy. It might give her an opportunity to spend some time with him seeing as he has plans to return as well."

ZZZZZZ

When the couple returned to the Burrow they found Molly sitting with Fleur. Ginny had warmed up slightly to Fleur until Harry's birthday when Gabrielle visited. The youngest Weasley was now just as cold to Fleur as she had been on her wedding day. Molly instantly asked the two to sit down because she was quickly running out of small talk.

"So," said Ginny. "Zo," said Fleur. "So?" asked Molly. Harry was no help. He sat quietly.

Ginny made an effort, "How is Bill? Is he in Greece still?

"Ee eez fine," answered Fleur. "Ee eez ztill een Greeze. Ee wanted to be eer tonight but ee could not."

Molly finally broke out and asked, "You said you had some news?"

"Oui, mee and Beel are going to have a bebe!" announced Fleur.

"What?" asked Ginny. "What?" asked Molly. "Congratulations!" announced Harry.

The three women were suddenly sitting on the couch together chatting as if they were best mates. Harry sat and watched for a few moments while the usual questions of "when did you find out," "have spoken to a healer yet?" and "when did it happen?" were asked. Knowing everyone would want to be here for the news, he quietly stepped into the kitchen and sent out several Patronus to the family and friends of the Weasleys asking to come by for some important news. He then made some tea anticipating an evening of happy frenzied conversation.

Once he finished the tea he thought to summon Kreacher and asked if he'd mind whipping up some food for guests that would arrive throughout the evening. "Yes, Master Harry," answered the elf and he immediately went through the cupboards looking for items that could quickly be prepared. Nary a soul noticed that sandwiches and pumpkin juice seemingly would appear out of nowhere to the tables for the family to snack on in lieu of dinner. It wasn't until later in the evening that Molly finally checked in the kitchen that she learned who had taken kitchen duty for the evening. She was so thankful she bent down and hugged the house elf before Harry could stop her. The look that Harry caught was a mixture of revulsion and contempt but he made sure to thank the elf properly when all was done. The elf's only response was his bullfrog, "I serve my Master like any house elf should. Does Master Harry require anything else?" Once Harry had excused him he promptly returned to Grimmauld Place to his room in the attic.

Harry was about to retire himself when Fleur slipped into the kitchen. "Arry, Ay deed not zee you most of zee night. Are you all right?"

"Yes, Fluer, I was just making sure that Mrs. Weasley could spend the evening being the proud grandmother. You lot were having so much fun speaking I came in here and invited everyone over and then Kreacher and I made food for the guests. Who am I kidding? He made it all, I just did small things to feel useful."

"Eez that why wee had sandwiches? Ay wonderred who made zem."

His answer was a hug, "Congratulations."

"Wee have you to thank. Wee have trayd to have a bebe for nearly a year. Seence our marriage, een fact. Wee finallee were successful on Ginnee's birthday."

"You are sure?"

"Poseeteeve. Eet eez thee only time wee have been together seence your birthday and I am certain. Eet eez embarrasseeng, actually. Ay am waiting for Ginnee to figure eet all out and zeen she will probably tell zee family."

Harry thought about it. When he fit the pieces together in his head he noticed her arched eyebrows, "Fleur, I wouldn't worry too much about that. In a few years it will be a family story that everyone will cherish. If I've learned anything about this family it is that they show their love most by having a go at each other. Once the story gets out you will truly be a part of the family."

"You theenk so?" she asked hopefully.

"Yes, when the story gets out you will seem more human. I think the only reason the women of the family haven't warmed up to you already is that to them you seem so perfect. It is hard to approach perfect." Fleur gave a grateful smile when he said that, "I hope you are right. Eet has been lonely seence the marriage. Ay feel like a stranger sometimes."

"You are always welcome to say hello to me if you are feeling lonely. I've found I can always use more family..." Harry was interrupted by Ginny who asked her if she could talk with her alone. Moments later, Harry knew the secret was out when he heard both girls giggling in the corner.